Gage length and sample size effect on measured properties during tensile testing

One of the largest controversial issues of mechanical testing is the interpretation of scaling laws on materials strength and ductility. With a general trend towards miniaturization based on recent development in nanomaterials and metallic glasses, the challenges confront not only with preparation, handling and testing of small volumes of materials, but, also with clear understanding of test results. The main question is whether mechanical behavior of small volumes is controlled by mechanics or by sample geometry. Analysis of mechanical behavior of well-known Ti–6Al–4V alloy at different length scales is presented in this study. The results are compared to that of metallic glasses at the same scale and the general trends are highlighted.